Description: Navigating local government can be challenging, especially if you don’t understand the governance structure, roles, and checks and balances that exist within counties. In addition, every county has their own challenges and ‘personality’ that influence the decisions making process. This is important to all government employees including Public Administrators, Public Guardians, and Public Conservators. You are invited to participate in a discussion to better understand these issues and discuss ways to best navigate the landscape in your county so that you can achieve the best outcomes for your clients.

Trainer: Don Ashton brings over 30 years of public sector experience, with two decades in executive leadership roles across counties both large and small. His expertise spans human resources, finance, budgeting, audits, and program reviews. He served as Director of Health and Human Services and later as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for El Dorado County, where he led strategic planning, governance reform, and fiscal improvements that enhanced organizational stability and community partnerships. Don began his career as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist in Los Angeles County and later earned a Master’s in Public Administration from CSU Northridge. In 2011, he joined El Dorado County as Chief Fiscal Officer for the Sheriff's Office, eventually becoming CAO—a role he held for seven years. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Don now offers executive coaching, strategic planning, board governance, and organizational development services. He has served on the Greater Sacramento Economic Council board, lectured at CSU Sacramento, and spoken at numerous regional events. Beyond his professional work, Don and his wife Anne are active community volunteers, including service as foster parents and advocates for domestic violence victims and underserved populations.

The training will take place on June 24th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm via Zoom

An email with the Zoom link and instructions on how to attend will be sent out a day prior to the training. 

The training is virtually designed to ensure that the benefits of in-person trainings are still available. This will include being able to ask questions, have access to the training materials, and converse with fellow members. 

You must complete the entire registration process to be added to the training list. You will know the process is completed when the page clearly indicates confirmation that you are registered and provides a receipt. That receipt is proof of your registration and is important to have for your records. 

If you are new to using the Zoom platform, please research and practice prior to the training. If you have any questions or concerns about the training or the platform, please email us at info@capapgpc.org and a member of our team will assist you. 

STOP - Important Announcement: In August of 2020 Internet Explorer upgraded their browser platform which has led to older versions no longer supporting our membership site. If you wish to register for this event, you must use another browser other than Internet Explorer.

Please stop registration now and access the registration link on another platform such as Chrome or Firefox or another sanctioned county browser. Thank you.

Virtual: Principles of Local Government Administration and its Relation to PA, PG, PCs - 2.0 Credits

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  • Tuesday June 24 2025, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM